​Oblivious Nerd Girl

In 2010 I ran/walked 13.1 miles in the inaugural Los Angeles Rock and Roll marathon. I trained with the American Heart Association since their fundraising goal ($500) was doable in my eyes. Training would be held on Saturday mornings at Griffith Park. Our group would gather and it was a wide range of folks. Young kids, older folks, ladies that looked like titas, and me. We all had our reasons for being there. Mine was to cross off doing a marathon from my bucket list while also raising money for an organization that worked to fight heart diseases like the stroke my mom suffered from when I was in college. I thought that if I did a half marathon I could build up to a full marathon. Ultimately I learned that marathon running was not for me. Finishing that race was my accomplishment. I did those hilly 13.1 miles and no one can take that away from me.

When we would train at Griffith Park, one of the older ladies caught up with me and saw me struggling. She struck up a conversation with me as were walking the path. I learned she had been training with American Heart Association for years. She enjoyed challenging herself. As she spoke to me I would see folks in our training group pass us. My frustration at being lapped was obvious. The woman paused and told me,

"You know what helps me is to remember that a marathon is a race against yourself.

You are where you are supposed to be."

We walked silently next to each other. I let her words resonate.Perhaps it is the Virgo, type A in me, I am one who likes to accomplish goals and it is hard for me to take a step back to enjoy the journey. For most of my life I have always looked forward, looked towards the next big thing, the next big event that I need to tackle. Reflecting on my place in life is not something I normally do.

Summer brought on several transitions. I said goodbye to a very dear friend who's passing reminded me to keep in touch with folks who matter to me. I've made efforts to connect with folks and to not get caught up with being busy. Being busy made took me away from writing and from recording the podcast. Being busy distracted me from the things that matter, things that keep life less stressful.

January may be the start of the calendar year, but Fall always feels like the start of a new year. Recently those words have resonated with me again. "You are where you are supposed to be." It feels like I have been trying to shoehorn my way into situations and for once I am going to listen to those words. I am where I am supposed to be. Self care and intentional choices are at the forefront of this life. I am where I'm supposed to be and I will be where I need to be in the future. This Virgo mind is going to try to calm itself and enjoy the journey.

On Sunday, my good friend Lovey passed away from complications from her stem cell transplant. She had beaten AML Leukemia, kicked it's ass. However her body wasn't happy with the stem cells she had received. I know that I am lucky to have had her in my life. Lovey is a UCLA legend, who worked tirelessly to make sure students accomplished their goals of receiving a diploma with the blue and gold seal on it. When I first joined the office she laughed at my love for the school across town. She'd tell me, "It's okay. I still love you. Even if you are a. . ." If there ever was proof that a Trojan and a Bruin could be friends, we were it.

What made Lovey so amazing is that she had a way of making you feel like you were life long friends after your first encounter with her. She had the special way of always welcoming you into her world. And once you were in her world, she never let you go.

The best part was after I had joined the office, I recommended two of my friends to work there. We were taking over that side of the office. She absolutely adored this because no one could tell us apart! And as you can see, we look nothing alike, and yes I am and will always be the darkest gal in the bunch. Something Lovey would jokingly point out when I would come back into the office after an afternoon swim and be two shades darker than when I left the office!

Lovey would talk about her dad all the time. And it wasn't until later on that I realized he had passed away when she was in college. She always talked about him in the present, which I know kept him alive in her heart. Lovey, I promise to do the same Love. You will always be present in my thoughts. And when we talk about you, your ears are going to turn red. So be prepared for some red ears up there in heaven. There will be lots of people talking about you. Your family, your Zama family, your UCLA family because that's what we were to you. Not just friends, family.

Folks, if you knew Lovey or are inspired by this piece. Please contribute to this GoFundMe page: Farewell Lovell Sevilla

Love, I will always raise my glass in your honor. Til we see each other again.

On this Oblivious Interview, I "meet" my good friend Isabelle aka Ish aka 1belle. Random friend fact, Ish has been on almost every continent on the globe. I find that super cool.

<- This is one of my favorite pictures of us. We were at a Clippers game and we pulled a "tita" or "auntie" by stuffing our purses with all the plates, utensils, etc in our purses. It was hilarious and I couldn't believe we got away with it. The best part was Ish's mom was like "DO IT! LEAVE SOME FOR ME!" Notice the awkward smiles. This is how we pose in pictures because we don't know how to take normal pictures.

Her blog 1belle.tumblr.com highlights her experience in grad school, random food moments, and currently her UN internship in Nairobi! Before I go on and on, I say meet her yourself! Oblivious meets 1belle

A while back I asked folks if they had any of their old copies of The Baby-Sitters Club books because I will be doing a podcast about these books. Through the magic of ebay and my memories I'll stroll through memory lane with Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, Stacey, Dawn, Mallory, and Jessi.

Special shout out to my own personal Stacey, 1belle for helping me by listening to me hash out this idea for a podcast.

Patao Pop Up is this week! Get your tickets now if you haven't done so. Scratch that. PATAO is now sold out!!

And once it's happened, please share food posts with me because I can't make it! I will have to live vicariously through your instagram posts people!

In today's Oblivious Interview today Oblivious meets Patao which is weird to say since it's like I'm meeting my cousin Tony! I'm really happy to have this opportunity to do this interview with him since it's always rad learning new about folks you've know for a long time. People can always surprise you! Like in this interview Tony mentions Cat Dog! Which I absolutely loved growing up! I still wonder how Cat Dog went to the bathroom. This is a question that has perturbed me for eternity!

Second screening was scrapped for Mario Kart 8 madness. For future screenings we'll probably only show one film and mayhaps have a video game tourney for anyone who wants to partake. Thanks for the fun times Hi-Fi Film Club! Props to bff Ivy-chan for being our inaugural Hi-Fi Film Club member! Save the date for the next screening June 28th!